When my mom passed away 9 years ago, my sister and I spent a week going through all her belongings. At first the task was overwhelming but it quickly gave way to a feeling of intense interest. All her saved letters, documents, books, record albums, operas, stamp collections and household items - all combined to form a historical record not just of the life of my mother - but that of my sister, myself, extended family and close friends.

 

This catalog of our life is recorded in digital photographs of all this memorablia - a repository of all the things that had significance for my mother and things that inspire me to remember her by.

 

My mother had many hobbies and interests. She loved music – she was an accomplished musician – she loved opera, and books. She collected Israeli stamps, coins and medals, loved Jewish culture and all things Israeli – she was - I think - the Jewish peoples biggest fan. She was also a nursing professional – with a Masters Degree - almost unheard of back in the 1970’s – and she loved animals.

 

Along the way, she collected many sincere lifelong friends and nurtured many genuine loving relationships. She was sincere in all that she did.

 

I thank my mother for being kind, supportive, loving and caring to me – no matter what - and for teaching me by her example, what it meant to live a fulfilling life.

 

I admire her ceaseless commitment to her beloved Jewish people and Israel and for having the courage of her convictions by moving midlife to emigrate from the US and to live in Israel.

 

Her lasting legacy to me will be about love - she loved so many people and experiences.

 

She will be missed but not forgotten.

 

Sonia Goldstein

• Born August 26th, 1924

• Mother, grandmother, great-grandmother   musician and nursing professional.

- Sadly left us on February 11th, 2016.

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